Virgin Atlantic Airways is a private international airline based at Briton promoted by Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Group of companies.
Virgin Group has 51% of stake, while the other partner, Singapore Airline keeps remaining 49%. Virgin Atlantic Airways has its main base at Heathrow International Airport.
The airline operates from other airports such as Gatwick, Manchester airports and the head office is located at Sussex. Virgin Atlantic Airways is known for its premium services to its business class passengers.
Virgin is the first airline to provide individual TV sets for its business class passengers.
This airline operates flights to various destinations in Europe,
America, Caribbean, Middle East, South East Asia and Australia. Virgin Atlantic Airways runs scheduled flights to Mumbai and Delhi and is one of the international airlines in India offering premium services.
Virgin Airways Atlantic was originally known as British Atlantic Airways. This airline was started in 1982 and was operating scheduled flights to between London and Falkland Islands.
Virgin Group headed by Richard Branson wanted to enter into airline business from his original music record business.
Hence, he bought British Atlantic Airways in June, 1984, and renamed it as Virgin Atlantic Airways.
The first flight was inaugurated from London to Newark Liberty International. Virgin Atlantic set a new standard on in-flight services and won several awards for its exceptional services.
In 1992, Richard Branson sold off his core music business to invest on Virgin Atlantic Airways. In 1999, Branson entered partnership with Singapore Airline by selling 49% of the stake to bring expertise and professionalism.
This move paid rich dividends and converted Virgin Atlantic Airways as one of the most trusted premium airlines in the world.
Virgin Atlantic Airways network include many cities in United Kingdom, USA, Canada, Africa, China, India, Japan, Middle East, South East Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
The airline currently operates a fleet of 38 aircrafts including Boeing 747 400, Airbus A340 600 and A340 300. Virgin Atlantic
Airways made core-share agreements with world’s leading airliners including Air China, BMI, Air Jamaica, Continental, Jet Airways, South African, Singapore Airlines and negotiating with All Nippon Airways, LIAT, Hawaiian Airlines, Malaysian Airlines, US Airways and Scandinavian Airlines.
